Medical Problems et al

I have had a few medical problems. 

• Type 2 Diabetes since 2004. I am dealing with it for now with medication (metformin), insulin injections twice a day, and have just switched to Monjorno (sp?) from Trulicity. My endocrinologist has been pleased (as I) with my progress. But it will always be with me, I am sure.
• Bladder cancer was diagnosed in 2011. Two operations, and 6 years of BCG treatment (liveTB serum inserted into the bladder periodically). I have been clean since 2017, with yearly exams - next one is in Jan. Always hopeful, but like all cancers, it has a relatively high return rate. I've been lucky so far. Since it was in the bladder, I didn't suffer any hair loss or any other visible effects. But it plays hell with my bodily functions with respect to going to the bathroom. I have to wear Depends diapers constantly to avoid problems when I can't get to the toilet in time. And that happens most of the time. For the last several years, I use a Depends insert so I can change about every 2-3 hours, so I usually only need to change my diaper daily when I shower. But the whole thing makes me very reluctant to go anywhere.
• I've had several episodes of skin cancer in the past several years, but none have been melanoma. All squamous or basal cell so far. I've had 4 operations to rid them and get checked regularly. I am sure these are a result of running without a hat nor shirt nor lotion for 30 years.
• Three years ago, I had a severe case of cellulitis and was in the hospital for a week. When I go out, I had to be on a daily infusion of blood serum that prevented the virus from returning. Lisa did it to me, while weekly a nurse would come in and change the dressings and tubes. This was for 6 weeks. I am constantly at risk now for it returning. Any breaks in the skin are particularly dangerous. 
• After this, I gave up driving. I haven't driven in over two years. Partly because of my neuropathy from my diabetes - I was having trouble feeling the gas or brake pedals.
• But at the same time, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's. My father had it, so I wasn't completely surprised. At first, it was just a minor shaking in my left hand, but both hands. My balance has gotten worse over the past two years. I use a cane whenever I am outside the house- to doctor visits, and that's about it. I do have two physical book clubs I attend locally. Lisa drives me and helps me if I need to carry anything more than my book. She returns to pick me up afterwards. 
• I stopped running in 2009, then only walked. I was playing pickleball until 2018. Then I stopped walking just before I had cellulitis. Now I try to walk some around the house with my cane.
• I spend most of my time reading - 3 book clubs (one is a Zoom) - and watching Premier League soccer. Can't wait until the World Cup. Also love watching golf. As far as reading is concerned, I have to read mysteries - two of the clubs are mysteries, the other is a classic. I try to read nonfiction on my own since that's where most of my books reside - history, military, biography, political, government, etc.
• I began a blog several years ago, but have gotten away from it recently. I'm going to restart it, hopefully. It will give me an outlet. I talk to my brother every Sunday via GoMeet. We've been doing it for about 5 years. He lives in Colorado Springs and is an avid student of Indian archaeology. He's a retired HS music teacher. Fascinating man, and three years younger.
• I'm spending too much time worrying about our country. I have two friends here whom I don't see much of anymore. Partly because we moved up from Lexington, but also because both are very pro-Trump. While I am a registered Republican, I have voted Democrat since Obama. Whenever we meet - 1 or 2 times a year - or talk by phone, text, or Facebook/Instagram, we don't talk politics. Usually, it's about whisky and beer. This is heavily GOP country here. 
• I follow over 1,000 friends on FB, mostly ex-students. About 700. It's good to see how they've grown up and have families of their own. But too much of today's politics, unrest, and other topics I prefer not talk about are creeping in. I am watching some very nice old detective mysteries and other shows streaming on TV.  I just found WEST WING on Netflix and am watching one or two episodes a day!!

RDG